2006 Dawgs: Strengths and Weaknesses

Now that training camp has ended, we have a better read on the strength and weaknesses of the 2006 Washington Huskies football team. Training camp taught us a lot about what players will stand out and where the Dawgs are still looking for help.

Strengths

1. Attitude. Work Ethic. Discipline. Enthusiasm. These are all areas where the Dawgs have struggled in years past but are strong this year. Correcting the mental attitude of this team was task #1 for Coach Willingham when he arrived after the 2004 season and he has done an amazing job installing a winning attitude in this team. Frankly, I’m shocked at how fast he’s been able to turn it around. This team is rejuvenated with enthusiasm and it’s safe to say this was the best offseason since 2000. I originally thought it would require new players to change the attitude of this team but Willingham has made significant progress with the “Neuheisel guys” and this team is brimming with confidence. Improved discipline and enthusiasm breeds positive results in the weight room and in offseason practices and improved attitude will help pull out some of those 4th quarter situations that cost the Dawgs 3 games last season.

2. Defensive line. This group jumped out early in camp as the strongest unit on the team. Led by Junior DE Greyson Gunheim, the defensive line showed that they came to play in 2006. Freshman DE Daniel Te’O-Nesheim was constantly praised for his work ethic and performance and Senior DE Brandon Ala looks like he’s ready to have a solid final season. Former Hawaii HS defensive player of the year DT Wilson Afoa anchors the interior line along with senior Donny Mateaki. Defensive line is one of the few positions on the team where the Dawg have depth, too. DT Erick Lobos, DT Jordan White-Frisbee, Ala, and DE Caesar Rayford all provide depth and look like they will be solid contributors this year. Coach Randy Hart has made significant progress with this unit and the Dawgs should finally find the pass rush that has eluded them since the 2000 season.

3. Kicking. Senior punter Sean Douglas is the best punter in the Pac-10 and might be a contender for All-American status by the end of the season. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t at least All Pac-10. Junior Michael Braunstein has emerged as a serviceable place kicker, too. Braunstein is a perfect example of a player that was floundering under the previous coaching regime but that Willingham has improved with proper coaching. Braunstein seems more focused and intent on mastering his craft.

Honorable mention: The Husky WR’s had a great camp.With the lack of elite run blocking offensive linemen, the Huskies running game will take a back seat to the passing attack. With the Dawgs look like a team that will throw the ball 30+ times a game so it’s important that the WR’s took a major step forward in 2006. While they lack that big playmaker like a Dwayne Jarrett or Jason Hill, the Huskies have 6 journeyman WR’s and hopefully a playmaker will emerge once the games begin.

Weaknesses

1. Offensive line. I almost don’t want to call this unit a weakness. They had such a good camp that I think they deserve to be out of the doghouse. Nonetheless, the offensive line is still the weakest unit on the team due to inexperience and lack of depth. Even though they had a good camp, it’s expected that the Dawgs will struggle to run the ball this season and, with 2 inexperienced tackles, pass protection is a question mark. Luckily, this unit has an elusive QB that can save them from surrendering sacks. Coach Mike Denbrock did a nice good of creating a workable starting unit but depth is a major concern. JUCO transfer Aaron Mason still hasn’t made it into school due to academics and the players that are in backup roles are young and even less experienced than the starters.

2. Quarterback. It bothers me to have to call the QB’s a weakness but I didn’t feel like this group did as much as I thought they would during training camp. We heard the word “sloppy” too many times when Coach Willingham gave the media his thoughts on practices. Additionally, I still have my doubts that backups Carl Bonnell and Johnny Durocher are capable of leading this team to victory. The team seems confident with Isaiah Stanback but what if Stanback goes down to injury? Freshman Jake Locker was impressive in training camp, although, I would be shocked if he sees the field this year. Undoubtedly, the hopes of the team rest on Isaiah Stanback’s shoulders. It’s immense pressure to put on one player but he is the only proven playmaker on this team and has grabbed the leadership role with his improved attitude and work ethic. The Dawgs need Stanback to be the breakout player of the Pac-10 to reach a bowl and I didn’t see that type of performance during training camp.

3. Cornerbacks. This unit was an enigma during camp. CB Roy Lewis was one of the 3 best players on the entire team during camp what about the other players? Expected starter CB Dashon Goldson is hampered by an ankle injury and never saw any meaningful action. The starting tandem of Lewis and Goldson was supposed to be one of the strengths of the team but Goldon’s injury prevented that from happening. Backups Matt Fountaine and JUCO transfer Jordan Murchison failed to “wow” the coaches during camp. Willingham is even toying with the idea of playing true freshman Matt Mosley as a backup. With Goldson already slowed by injury, any health issues with star CB Roy Lewis would be a crushing blow to this team.

Overall, the improvement of attitude and team enthusiasm is great news. If Stanback stays healthy and Goldson’s ankle heals, the Dawgs at least have a fighting chance at a bowl game. If either of those issues go south, this team and its fans are in for another long season.